Tai Chi Improves Cognitive Function of Dementia Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Studies show that Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, has the potential to improve cognitive and physical function among the elderly. However, debates continue about its effectiveness among persons with dementia (PWD). Primary study objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving cognitive, physical, and emotional function among PWDs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of research on online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library) published up to April 2021. Relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were reviewed and analyzed. A random-effect model was used to evaluate the pooled mean difference values. Intervention: The individuals in the intervention group practiced Tai Chi exercises in addition to their regular care, while the individuals in the control group continued their usual care. Primary Outcome Measures: We focus on three outcome measures: the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores. Results: Seven studies (N = 616) were included in the meta-analysis. Our results show that Tai Chi can improve cognitive function in PWDs (P = .007, SMD = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.47). However, Tai Chi might not improve the TUG (P = .25, SMD = -0.64; 95% CI, -1.74 to 0.46) and GDS (P = .61; SMD = -0.36; 95% CI -2.00 to 1.17) functions. Conclusions: The results suggest that Tai Chi can help improve cognitive function among PWDs, but it has no physical and emotional benefits as assessed using the TUG and GDS scales, respectively.

Regulation of carotenoid degradation and production of apocarotenoids in natural and engineered organisms.

Carotenoids are important precursors of a wide range of apocarotenoids with their functions including: hormones, pigments, retinoids, volatiles, and signals, which can be used in the food, flavors, fragrances, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. This article focuses on the formation of these multifaceted apocarotenoids and their diverse biological roles in all living systems. Carotenoid degradation pathways include: enzymatic oxidation by specific carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) or nonspecific enzymes such as lipoxygenases and peroxidases and non-enzymatic oxidation by reactive oxygen species. Recent advances in the regulation of carotenoid cleavage genes and the biotechnological production of multiple apocarotenoids are also covered. It is suggested that different developmental stages and environmental stresses can influence both the expression of carotenoid cleavage genes and the formation of apocarotenoids at multiple levels of regulation including: transcriptional, transcription factors, posttranscriptional, posttranslational, and epigenetic modification. Regarding the biotechnological production of apocarotenoids especially: crocins, retinoids, and ionones, enzymatic biocatalysis and metabolically engineered microorganisms have been a promising alternative route. New substrates, carotenoid cleavage enzymes, biosynthetic pathways for apocarotenoids, and new biological functions of apocarotenoids will be discussed with the improvement of our understanding of apocarotenoid biology, biochemistry, function, and formation from different organisms.

An ultrasound observation study on the levator hiatus with or without diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that differences in post-partum levator hiatus (LH) measurements, as well as the area of urethra and bladder (AUB), viewed under ultrasound, correlate with diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) occurrence. The primary objective of this study is to determine ultrasound parameters available for diagnosing DRA in post-partum women. We compared LH and AUB measurements under ultrasound in primiparous women, with and without DRA, at 24-26 weeks postpartum. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four women underwent routine examination, including a self-made clinical symptoms questionnaire, DRA evaluation, and LH and AUB measurements. Independent samples t- and chi-squared tests were used to compare the differences between women with and without DRA. RESULTS: DRA incidence was significantly higher among those who underwent cesarean section (CS) than for vaginal delivery (VD) (P = 0.038). DRA patients could potentially have urinary urgency, frequency, pain, dysuria, and perineal tears. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between VD patients, with or without DRA, in the resting LH transverse diameter (TrD) (P = 0.032) and the area of the levator hiatus (ALH) (P = 0.048) as well as AUB at Valsalva (P = 0.049). No differences, however, were found between the DRA and no DRA groups for all those measurements among women who had cesarean deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: DRA was more likely in post-CS women. Furthermore, the results showed a plausible association between DRA occurrence and LH expansion, especially in women with VD under rest and Valsalva. This could be useful for developing therapeutic plans based on these parameters for post-partum rehabilitation of women with DRA to avoid long-term complications.

Aberrant Expression of Cancer-Testis Antigen FBXO39 in Breast Cancer and its Clinical Significance.

BACKGROUND: Cancer/testis antigen (CTA) is a class of antigen molecules expressed only in the germinal epithelium of testis and some tumor tissues. As an important CTA molecule, the expression of F-box protein 39 (FBXO39) in breast cancer (BC) and its clinical significance remain unclear. The objective of this study is to explore the value of FBXO39 in the diagnosis, efficacy monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of BC. METHODS: The expression of FBXO39 mRNA in the serum exosomes of patients with BC before and after the initial diagnosis and treatment was detected by qRT-PCR, and the corresponding ROC curve was plotted. The expression of FBXO39 protein in BC cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, along with the analysis of the correlation between FBXO39 expression and clinical pathological features as well as prognosis of BC cases. RESULTS: The serum-derived exosomes were successfully isolated and identified. The positive rate of FBXO39 mRNA in serum exosomes of patients with BC was up to 86%; there was a correlation between the expression level of serum exosomal FBXO39 and clinical staging, HER2, and Ki-67 expression (all with p < 0.05). The sensitivity of serum exosomal FBXO39 in distinguishing BC patients from healthy controls was 88%, with the specificity as 86%, and AUC as 0.9432. The expression change of FBXO39 in serum-sourced exosomes of patients with BC was related to their treatment situation, indicating that the level of FBXO39 decreased significantly after treatment. The expression of FBXO39 in cancer tissue was related to the clinical stage (p = 0.023) and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.015) of the BC patients. Survival analysis showed that the expression of FBXO39 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of BC patients, with the high expression of FBXO39 indicating poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum-derived exosomal FBXO39 could serve as an important indicator of BC diagnosis and efficacy evaluation; FBXO39 could be rated as an important indicator of BC prognosis evaluation.

ATP6V0D2, a subunit associated with proton transport, serves an oncogenic role in esophagus cancer and is correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: The poor prognosis of esophagus cancer (EC) is mainly due to its high invasiveness and metastasis, so it is urgent to search effectively prognostic markers and explore their roles in the mechanism of metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the TCGA database, we downloaded the RNA-Seq for analyzing the expression of ATP6V0D2. QRT-PCR was used to test the mRNA levels of ATP6V0D2 in cell lines. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the correlation between ATP6V0D2 and clinical characteristics. Prognostic values were determined by Kaplan-Meier methods and cox's regression models. CCK-8 and clone formation assays were employed to evaluate the cell viability, and Transwell assay was implemented to determine the invasive and migratory abilities. Correlations between ATP6V0D2 and motion-related markers were analyzed by the GEPIA database and confirmed by western blot. Moreover, the relationship between ATP6V0D2 and molecules related to cell cycle and apoptosis was also determined by western blot. RESULTS: A significant increase was observed in 3 EC-related cell lines compared to the normal cell line. ATP6V0D2 has a connection with the poor prognosis and can be considered as an independent prognosticator for patients with EC. Besides, ATP6V0D2 can improve cells viability as well as invasive and migratory abilities. What's more, downregulation of ATP6V0D2 notably enhanced E-cadherin expression, while decreased N-cadherin, Vimentin, and MMP9 expression, whereas overexpression of ATP6V0D2 presented the opposite outcomes. Furthermore, we found that silencing ATP6V0D2 led to a significant reduction on the protein expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Bcl-2, whereas resulted in a notable enhancement on the Bax level. CONCLUSION: ATP6V0D2 might be an independent prognosticator for EC patients, and it possibly promotes tumorigenesis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell cycle and apoptosis-related markers, providing the possibility that ATP6V0D2 may be a novel biomarker for the therapeutic intervention of EC.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL AND BODY MASS INDEX IN SEX- AND AGE-SPECIFIC GROUPS IN SOUTHWESTERN CHINA.

Objective: To investigate the sex- and age-specific association between serum uric acid level and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 144,856 subjects aged 20 to 79 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum uric acid level, renal function, hepatic function, and lipid profile were investigated. Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia decreased with age in men but increased in women. In men, the correlation coefficient between the serum urate level and BMI declined steadily with age. Underweight was associated with a 53 to 68% and a 66% lower prevalence of hyperuricemia in men aged 20 to 69 years and in women aged 20 to 29 years, respectively. Overweight and obesity were correlated with a higher odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for hyperuricemia in both genders. In individuals with overweight or obesity, younger subjects had a higher OR (95% CI) for hyperuricemia than older subjects. Among subjects aged 20 to 59 years, as they gained weight, the OR (95% CI) for hyperuricemia increased faster in women than in men compared with their respective normal-weight controls. Conclusion: Underweight was associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia in men aged ≤69 years. In individuals with overweight or obesity, younger subjects were more likely to develop hyperuricemia than older subjects. With active weight gain, the likelihood for developing hyperuricemia increased faster in women than in men compared with their respective normal-weight controls. Abbreviations: ALT = alanine aminotransferase; AST = aspartate aminotransferase; BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; HDL-C = high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C = low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; OR = odds ratio.

Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching in d-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice via PI3K/AKT Pathway.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the polysaccharides from Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching (AMC) rhizome and explore the protective mechanism against d-galactose-induced oxidative stress in aging mice. METHODS: A series of experiments, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy were carried out to characterize AMC polysaccharides. The mechanism was investigated exploring d-galactose-induced aging mouse model. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting assays were performed to assess the gene and protein expression in liver. KEY FINDINGS: Our results showed that AMC polysaccharides were mainly composed of mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), glucuronic acid (Glc A), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), and fucose (Fuc) in a molar ratio of 0.077:0.088:0.09:1:0.375:0.354:0.04 with a molecular weight of 33203 Da (Mw). AMC polysaccharides strikingly reversed d-galactose-induced changes in mice, including upregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a), and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression, raised Bcl-2/Bax ratio, downregulated caspase-3 mRNA expression, enhanced Akt, phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt), Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression, decreased caspase-3, and Bax protein expression. CONCLUSION: AMC polysaccharides attenuated d-galactose-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, which might in part contributed to their anti-aging activity.

Stereodirecting Effect of C5-Carboxylate Substituents on the Glycosylation Stereochemistry of 3-Deoxy-d- manno-oct-2-ulosonic Acid (Kdo) Thioglycoside Donors: Stereoselective Synthesis of α- and ß-Kdo Glycosides.

The stereodirecting effect of C5-ester functions on the glycosylation stereoselectivity of 3-deoxy-d- manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) ethyl thioglycoside donors is presented. The coupling of 5- O-arylcarbonyl or acetyl protected Kdo thioglycosides with acceptors proceeds in an α-selective and high-yielding manner, leading to formation of α-linked Kdo glycosides products. On the other hand, the glycosylation stereoselectivity of the 5- O-2-quinolinecarbonyl (Quin) or 4-nitropicoloyl substituted Kdo thioglycoside donors is switchable: (1) The glycosylation of the 5- O-Quin carrying Kdo donors with primary glycosyl acceptors shows complete ß-stereoselectivity, furnishing the corresponding ß-glycosides in good-to-excellent yield. (2) The stereochemical outcome of the secondary acceptors with these Kdo donors is determined mainly by the stereoelectronic nature of the acceptor. Only or predominant α anomeric products are obtained when the Kdo donors couple with the disarmed or highly crowded secondary carbohydrate acceptors, while the selectivity may switch to predominant ß in the glycosylation of the 5- O-4-nitropicoloyl carrying donor with more reactive secondary alcohols. The synthetic use of the newly developed Kdo donors 1c and 7b has been demonstrated by facile preparation of a structurally unique trisaccharide motif 19 which possesses both α- and ß-Kdo glycosidic bonds.

Bone: Another potential target to treat, prevent and predict diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is now a worldwide health problem with increasing prevalence. Mounting efforts have been made to treat, prevent and predict this chronic disease. In recent years, increasing evidence from mice and clinical studies suggests that bone-derived molecules modulate glucose metabolism. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the interplay between bone and glucose metabolism and to highlight potential new means of therapeutic intervention. The first molecule recognized as a link between bone and glucose metabolism is osteocalcin (OCN), which functions in its active form, that is, undercarboxylated OCN (ucOC). ucOC acts in promoting insulin expression and secretion, facilitating insulin sensitivity, and favouring glucose and fatty acid uptake and utilization. A second bone-derived molecule, lipocalin2, functions in suppressing appetite in mice through its action on the hypothalamus. Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone matrix, are suggested to act on the browning of white adipose tissue and energy expenditure through secretion of bone morphogenetic protein 7 and sclerostin. The involvement of bone resorption in glucose homeostasis has also been examined. However, there is evidence indicating the implication of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand, neuropeptide Y, and other known and unidentified bone-derived factors that function in glucose homeostasis. We summarize recent advances and the rationale for treating, preventing and predicting diabetes by skeleton intervention.

Attenuation of deregulated miR-369-3p expression sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to cisplatin via modulation of the nucleotide sugar transporter SLC35F5.

Deregulation of the microRNAs (miRNAs), a cluster of important posttranscriptional regulators, has been frequently associated with lung cancer (LCa). However, the emerging mechanism for how miRNAs is linked causally in the development of LCa chemoresistance is poorly understood. Herein, we established for the time the up-regulation of miR-369-3p in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cells. Its deregulation was found to be correlated to the magnitude of malignancy in well-characterized LCa cells. Functionally, inhibition of miR-369-3p sensitized LCa cells to DDP and suppressed the invasive capability in the presence of DDP treatment, whereas miR-369-3p overexpression promoted DDP resistance and thereby enhanced LCa cells invasiveness. Mechanistically, bioinformatics coupled with luciferase and gain-of-function, loss-of-function assays revealed that miR-369-3p may regulate DDP chemoresistance by directly targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of human solute carrier 35F5 (SLC35F5), as application of miR-369-3p inhibitors or reintroduction of epigenetically silenced SLC35F5 both individually sensitized LCa cells to DDP, but combined treatment with miR-369-3p inhibitors and SLC35F5 overexpression failed to sensitized LCa cells further to DDP-elicited cell death. Our results provide evidence that the oncomiR effect of miR-369-3p may be mediated through disrupting the nucleotide sugar transportation and that SLC35F5 is a key effector of this chemoresistance-promoting activity.

Kinetics and inhibition study of tyrosinase by pressure mediated microanalysis.

In the present study, pressure mediated microanalysis (PMMA), a fast, convenient and efficient capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was developed for studying enzyme kinetics of tyrosinase and inhibition kinetics of kojic acid, a model inhibitor of tyrosinase. The enzymatic reaction conditions and CE conditions were optimized in order to obtain high enzyme activity and short analysis time. By PMMA, only the product could be detected at 475 nm, and no voltage was applied to separate the product from the reaction mixture thus greatly simplifying the optimization procedure. The spectrophotometric assay and electrophoretically mediated microanalysis (EMMA) were also performed to validate the developed method. With the present method, the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) was calculated to be 1.347 mM for tyrosinase. The inhibition constant of kojic acid to free tyrosinase (KI) and kojic acid to tyrosinase/L-DOPA complex (KIS) were calculated to be 36.64 and 74.35 µM, respectively, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined to be 46.64 µM for kojic acid. The developed method is fast and convenient for studying enzyme kinetics, inhibition kinetics and further screening enzyme inhibitors.

Endovascular Treatment of an Unusual Membranous Obstruction of the Inferior Vena Cava in Budd-Chiari Syndrome Complicated by Mural Portal Vein Thrombosis.

We describe the case of a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome who presented with an unusual membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava complicated by massive portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty through the right groin and was prescribed oral warfarin for 6 months. Treatment resulted in the complete disappearance of the PVT. This therapeutic strategy should be considered in the management of other cases of this rare, complex disease.

Cytoproliferative and Cytoprotective Effects of Striatisporolide A Isolated from Rhizomes of Athyrium multidentatum (Doell.) Ching on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferative and protective effects of striatisporolide A (SA) obtained from the rhizomes of Athyrium multidentatum (Doell.) Ching on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: Cell viability was measured by the MTT method. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Intracellular ROS was measured by the 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe. RESULTS: The viability rate in cells treated with 100 µM SA alone was increased to 128.72% ± 0.19% and showed a significant difference compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, SA augmented the cell viabilities in H2O2-treated HUVECs, and the cell viability was enhanced to 56.94% ± 0.13% (p < 0.01) when pre-incubated with 50 µM SA. The cell apoptosis rates were reduced to 2.17% ± 0.20% (p < 0.05) and 3.1% ± 0.34% (p < 0.01), respectively, after treatment with SA alone or SA/H2O2. SA inhibited the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HUVECs induced by H2O2 and the fluorescent intensity was abated to 9.47 ± 0.61 after pre-incubated with 100 µM SA. CONCLUSIONS: The biological activities of SA were explored for the first time. Our results stated that SA exhibited significant cytoproliferative and minor cytoprotective effects on HUVECs. We presume that the mechanisms of the proliferation and protection actions of SA involve interference with the generation of ROS and the cell apoptosis. These findings provide a new perspective on the biological potential of butenolides.

[Distribution of Formic Acid after Methanol Intoxication in Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate concentration and distribution in blood and tissues of formic acid after methanol intoxication in rats. METHODS: The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups for control group and 3-day and 7-day intoxication treatment groups. The experimental groups were administered methanol by gavage with the initial dose of 8 mL/kg and followed with 4 mL/kg supplemental dose 24 h later. After 3 days and 7 days later, rats were killed by decapitation. Then samples of cardiac blood, liver, kidney, brain, heart and stomach of each group were collected. Formic acid concentrations were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Formic acid concentrations in tissues were higher than in blood. Compared with 3-day intoxication group, there was an increase formic acid of concentration in brain and stomach in 7-day intoxication group, while a decrease in liver and kidney (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: High performance liquid chromatography could be used to accurately detect formic acid. As the metabolite of methanol, formic acid accumulates in rat blood and tissues after intoxication and the concentrations in organs and tissues are obviously higher than in blood.

[Correlation between contrast vision and sweep visual evoked potential acuity].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the correlation between contrast vision (LV) and sweep visual evoked potential acuity (SVEP-A) among people with emmetropia, mild myopia, and moderate myopia. METHODS: The CV and SVEP-A were tested individually in 96 eyes from healthy young volunteers, including 37 eyes of emmetropia, 27 eyes of mild myopia, and 32 eyes of moderate myopia. The statistic analysis was done by ANOVA analysis and rank sum test. RESULTS: (1) With the decrease of contrast, CV and SVEP-A decreased in every group. (2) At 100% contrast, the difference of CV between emmetropia and mild myopia had statistical significance (P<0.05). At 100%, 25% and 10% contrast, the difference of CV between emmetropia and moderate myopia had statistical significance (P<0.05). (3) In the same group, the difference of 100% and 25% contrast had statistical significance (P < 0.05). So was between 100% and 10% contrast. (4) At 100% and 10% contrast, the difference of CV and SVEP-A had statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CV of myopia relates to many factors including ametropia and fundus lesions. The correction of ametropia is important to the values of CV and SVEP-A.

[Forensic Application of Microperimetry and Visual Evoked Potential in Macular Disease].

OBJECTIV: e To find the correlation between real best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and testing results of microperimetry and visual evoked potential (VEP) and to explore a new method in recording BCVA in macular disease. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with macular disease (macular disease group, 62 eyes) and eighteen healthy volunteers (control group, 36 eyes) had BCVA, microperimetry and VEP recorded. RESULTS: (1) By microperimetry, the values of retinal mean sensitivity and fixation percentage in macular disease group were lower than that in control group. The bicurve ellipse area in macular disease group was higher than that in control group. By VEP, P100 amplitude under 0.5 cpd and 2 cpd in macular disease group were significantly higher than that in control group and the latency was prolonged (P < 0.05). (2) In macular disease group, BCVA had significant positive correlation with retinal mean sensitivity, bicurve ellipse area, macular central 2 degrees and 4 degrees fixation percentage, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between retinal mean sensitivity and P100 amplitude (P < 0.05). (3) Multiple linear regression equation was y = 0.053 x1+0.008 x3+3.897 (y was BCVA, while x1 was retinal mean sensitivity and x3 was P100 amplitude under 2 cpd). CONCLUSION: Combined use of microperimetry and VEP is useful in the assessment of BCVA in macular disease.

Copy number variation in CCND1 gene is implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic parathyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The molecular bases for parathyroid carcinomas present in conjunction with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism are not fully elucidated. Gene copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in tumorigenesis. The aim of the current study was to explore whether the CNVs of specific tumor-associated genes are involved in parathyroid carcinogenesis. METHODS: A multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method was used to compare differences in copy number in 39 common tumor-associated genes among 7 patients with parathyroid carcinoma and 14 age- and sex-matched subjects with parathyroid adenoma. RESULTS: It was shown that amplification of CCND1, a gene encoding cyclin D1, was more prevalent in parathyroid carcinomas than in adenomas (71 vs. 21 %, p = 0.056). This result was confirmed quantitatively by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of CCND1 mRNA level was significantly higher in carcinomas than in adenomas (p = 0.003). Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated higher expression of CCND1 in carcinoma specimens than in adenoma samples. CONCLUSIONS: It is thus inferred that gain in copy number of CCND1 is implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of parathyroid carcinoma.

Endovascular treatment for extrahepatic portal vein bifurcation stenosis after a Whipple procedure using the kissing stents technique.

A 57-year-old man presented with a rare extrahepatic portal vein bifurcation scar stenosis involving the proximal splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein after a Whipple procedure. He was treated with endovascular coil embolization for the gastroesophageal varices and kissing stents for the portal vein bifurcation stenosis. This case illustrates a rarely seen complication after the Whipple procedure and a novel management strategy that can be considered in the management of this complex disease.

l-3-n-Butylphthalide attenuates ß-amyloid-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells through regulating mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis and MAPK signaling.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Amyloid-ß protein (Aß), the hallmark of AD, invokes a cascade of mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually leads to neuronal death. l-3-n-Butylphthalide (l-NBP) has shown the potent neuroprotective effects in stroke and AD animal models. The present study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of l-NBP on Aß25-35-induced neuronal injury and the possible mechanism in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Our results showed that l-NBP significantly attenuated Aß25-35-induced cell death and reduced neuronal apoptosis. l-NBP significantly inhibited Aß25-35-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, and reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, l-NBP could partially reverse the elevations of Aß25-35-induced active caspase-3, caspase-9, and cytochrome c expressions, and the downregulation of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2. Moreover, l-NBP markedly inhibited the activations of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that l-NBP was capable of protecting neuronal cells from Aß25-35-induced toxicity through a mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Thus, l-NBP shows promising candidate of multi-target neuronal protective agent for the treatment of AD.

[Changes of oscillatory potentials of electroretinogram after methanol intoxication in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characters of oscillatory potentials (OPs) of electroretinogram (ERG) after methanol intoxication in rats. METHOD: The SD rat models of methanol intoxication were established and divided into control group, 3-day intoxication group, 7-day intoxication group. The changes of OPs of ERG were recorded in a dark room. RESULTS: The total amplitudes of 3-day and 7-day intoxication groups decreased approximately 50% compared with that of the control group, while the schedule delayed approximately 16% and 61%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The characters of methanol intoxication in rats included delay in schedule and decline in the total amplitude of OPs.